U.S. patent application number 13/195085 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for cigar holder device.
This patent application is currently assigned to MARCO DESIGN, LLC. Invention is credited to Mark S. Milner, Julien P. Thiebaud.
Application Number | 20120031780 13/195085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45555294 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120031780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Milner; Mark S. ; et
al. |
February 9, 2012 |
Cigar Holder Device
Abstract
A portable cigar case includes a body having at least one cavity
for receiving and releasably retaining a cigar. A cap is releasably
connected to the body. The cap when in an open condition provides
access to the cigar. A moisture retainer is provided in one of the
body or the cap. The moisture retainer provides a source of
moisture to maintain a humidity level of the cigar when the cap is
in a closed condition with respect to the body. A vial containing a
drinkable fluid is retained by one of the body or the cap. The vial
is made of a transparent or semitransparent material such that the
fluid in the vial is visible to a user. A viewing window created in
the cigar case is aligned with the vial such that the fluid in the
vial is visible through the viewing window.
Inventors: |
Milner; Mark S.; (White
Lake, MI) ; Thiebaud; Julien P.; (San Diego,
CA) |
Assignee: |
MARCO DESIGN, LLC
White Lake
MI
|
Family ID: |
45555294 |
Appl. No.: |
13/195085 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61370268 |
Aug 3, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/205 ;
206/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 15/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/205 ;
206/217 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/24 20060101
B65D081/24; B65D 77/00 20060101 B65D077/00 |
Claims
1. A portable cigar case, comprising: a body having a cavity for
receiving and releasably retaining a cigar; a vial containing a
drinking fluid provided with the body; and a viewing window aligned
with the vial such that the vial is visible through the viewing
window.
2. The portable cigar case of claim 1, wherein the body further
includes a releasable cap, the cap when in an open condition
providing access to the cigar.
3. The portable cigar case of claim 2, further including a moisture
retainer provided in one of the body or the cap, the moisture
retainer providing a source of moisture to maintain a humidity
level of the cigar when the cap is in a closed condition with
respect to the body.
4. The portable cigar case of claim 3, further including: a
moisture exchange opening positioned in a wall of the body such
that the moisture contained by the moisture retainer can vaporize
and enter the body; and a filter positioned in the moisture
exchange opening preventing a material of the moisture retainer
from entering the body.
5. The portable cigar case of claim 3, further including: a vial
end cap releasable from the vial to provide access to the drinking
fluid; and a second releasable cap oppositely positioned with
respect to the releasable cap, removal of the second releasable cap
providing access to the vial end cap.
6. The portable cigar case of claim 1, further including a sleeve
liner positioned in the cavity and in direct contact with the
cigar.
7. The portable cigar case of claim 6, wherein the sleeve liner is
an aromatic wood material having a shape fitting about the
cigar.
8. The portable cigar case of claim 1, wherein the vial includes a
transparent or semitransparent material such that presence of the
fluid in the vial is visible to a user.
9. The portable cigar case of claim 1, further including a vial end
cap, wherein the fluid is replenishable to or discharged from the
vial by temporarily removing the vial end cap.
10. A portable cigar case, comprising: a body having at least one
cavity for receiving and releasably retaining a cigar, and a
releasable cap, the cap when in an open condition providing access
to the cigar; a vial containing a drinking fluid retained by one of
the body or the cap, the vial made of a transparent or
semitransparent material such that the fluid in the vial is visible
to a user; and a viewing window created in the cigar case and
aligned with the vial such that the fluid in the vial is visible
through the viewing window.
11. The portable cigar case of claim 10, wherein the at least one
cavity includes each of a first and a second retention portion
oppositely rotatably extendable from the body each positioned
between a closed and an open position.
12. The portable cigar case of claim 11, further including: a hinge
individually rotatably connecting each of the first and second
retention portions to the body; and first and second retention
members individually fixedly connected to one of the first or
second retention portions and the body operating to retain the
first and second retention portions at the open position.
13. The portable cigar case of claim 12, wherein the first and
second retention members are made of a flexible material.
14. The portable cigar case of claim 12, wherein the first and
second retention members are each made of a substantially rigid
material slidably received within the body in the closed
position.
15. The portable cigar case of claim 10, further including a
moisture retainer provided in one of the body or the cap, the
moisture retainer providing a source of moisture independent of the
drinking fluid to maintain a humidity level of the cigar when the
cap is in a closed position with respect to the body.
16. A portable cigar case, comprising: a body having multiple
cavities for receiving and releasably retaining multiple cigars; a
cap releasably connected to the body, the cap when in an open
condition providing access to the cigars; a vial containing a
drinking fluid retained by one of the body or the cap, the vial
made of a transparent or semitransparent material such that the
fluid in the vial is visible to a user; a viewing window created in
the cigar case and aligned with the vial such that the fluid in the
vial is visible through the viewing window; and a moisture retainer
provided in one of the body or the cap, the moisture retainer
providing a source of moisture independent of the drinking fluid to
maintain a humidity level of the cigars when the cap is in a closed
condition.
17. The portable cigar case of claim 16, wherein the body includes
a textured material cladding and an end cover, the end cover closed
by folding.
18. The portable cigar case of claim 17, wherein the end cover
includes a latch that releasably engages a latch receiver provided
with the body to close end cover.
19. The portable cigar case of claim 16, further including an
insert of a wood material slidably and frictionally received in the
body, the insert having the multiple cavities provided as
semicircular portions which are pre-formed and arranged
substantially parallel to each other, each receiving one of the
multiple cigars.
20. The portable cigar case of claim 16, further including a vial
end cap releasably closing the vial and extending partially into
one of the cavities preventing one of the cigars from extending
into the cap, the vial end cap removable to access the drinking
fluid.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/370,268, filed on Aug. 3, 2010. The entire
disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to hand held portable cigar
humidors and holders.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Portable hand held cigar holders often include a moisture
source for maintaining a humidity level of the cigars being
carried. Cigar holders also include individual tubes or sleeves for
securely holding individual cigars are also known.
[0005] Known cigar holders, however, may not substantially enclose
the individual cigars with a material intended to enhance moisture
retention. Known cigar holders do not provide a fluid vial in
addition to a humidification moisture source. Known cigar holders
further do not provide the user with a volume of drinking fluid
which is co-carried with the cigars in a medium which is accessible
and refillable and further having a fluid level viewing window to
visually determine the volume of fluid.
SUMMARY
[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
[0007] According to several embodiments, a portable cigar case
includes a body having at least one cavity for receiving and
releasably retaining a cigar. A cap is releasably connected to the
body. The cap when in an open condition provides access to the
cigar. A moisture retainer is provided in one of the body or the
cap. The moisture retainer provides a source of moisture to
maintain a humidity level of the cigar when the cap is in a closed
condition with respect to the body. A vial containing a drinkable
fluid is retained by one of the body or the cap. The vial is made
of a transparent or semitransparent material such that the fluid in
the vial is visible to a user. A viewing window created in the
cigar case is aligned with the vial such that the fluid in the vial
is visible through the viewing window.
[0008] According to other embodiments, the cigar case includes a
leather cover over at least a portion of the cigar case to provide
a grip surface. According to further embodiments, the cigar case
includes at least one retention portion that is rotatably connected
by a hinge to the body. A retention member is used to connect the
retention portion to the body so the retention portion can be moved
to a position for removal of a cigar. A combination of an
engagement element on the retention member in contact with an
engagement feature on the body can be used to position the
retention member in a closed condition with respect to the body. A
vial end cap can be releasably connected to the vial to permit
opening and closing the vial to remove or add the drinking fluid to
the vial. An end cap releasably connected to the body can be moved
to an open condition to permit access to the vial end cap. The vial
can also be made of a non-transparent material such as metal to
increase a rigidity of the vial body for further protection of the
cigars carried in the cigar case.
[0009] According to further embodiments, the retention member can
include a liner of a wood material selected for a humidity
retaining capability. Wood selected for this purpose can include
cedar. The geometry of the liner matches the geometry of the
retention member, and the liner and retention member together
define a slot sized to slidably and releasably retain an individual
cigar in contact with the liner. In further embodiments, the body
includes semicircular or circular shaped cigar receiving cavities
that individually receive a cigar. A cigar positioned in any cavity
is exposed to moisture in the moisture retainer.
[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cigar holder device
of the present disclosure in a partially open configuration;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the cigar holder device
of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is the front perspective view of the cigar holder
device of FIG. 1 in a fully closed configuration;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of another cigar holder
device of the present disclosure in a fully closed
configuration;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the cigar holder
device of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the cigar holder device of FIG.
4;
[0018] FIG. 7 is cross sectional top plan view taken at section 7
of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another cigar holder
device of the present disclosure in a fully closed
configuration;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another cigar holder
device of the present disclosure in a fully closed
configuration;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another cigar holder
device of the present disclosure in an open configuration;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the cigar holder device
of FIG. 10 shown in a fully closed configuration;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another cigar holder
device of the present disclosure in a fully closed
configuration;
[0024] FIG. 13 is the top perspective view of the cigar holder
device of FIG. 12 shown in an open configuration;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another cigar holder
device of the present disclosure having a folding end cover in an
open configuration;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the cigar holder of
FIG. 14 shown in a fully closed configuration;
[0027] FIG. 16 is an end elevational view of the cigar holder of
FIG. 14;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the cigar holder of FIG. 14;
and
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
fluid vial for use in the cigar holder of FIG. 14.
[0030] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0034] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or
layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the
other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no
intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to
describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0035] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used
herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers
and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do
not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the
context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section
discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the example embodiments.
[0036] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"
"beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be
used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be
intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use
or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the
figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,
elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a cigar case 10 includes a body 12
having each of a first and a second retention portion 14, 16
oppositely rotatably extendable from body 12. First retention
portion 14 is shown in its rotated and extended position while
second retention portion 16 is shown in its closed position. Each
of the first and second retention portions 14, 16 includes the
following common elements; therefore, the following discussion of
first retention portion 14 applies equally to second retention
portion 16. An outer sleeve 18 is formed in a generally U or
horseshoe shape and a sleeve liner 20 is co-aligned on an inner
surface of outer sleeve 18. Sleeve liner 20 according to several
embodiments is a wood material, such as cedar used for its aromatic
and moisture retention capability.
[0038] A cigar receiving slot 22 is defined within sleeve liner 20
sized to slidably receive a single cigar (not shown). First
retention portion 14 is rotatably connected to body 12 using a
hinge 24. When rotated in a first opening direction "A" with
respect to hinge 24, first retention portion 14 is retained at a
maximum open position shown using first and second retention
members 26, 28, individually fixedly connected to each of the first
retention portion 14 and body 12. First and second retention
members 26, 28 can be made of a flexible material such as woven
belt material, flexible polymeric material, or they can be a
substantially rigid material slidably received within body 12 and
retained therein. When first retention portion 14 is in the closed
position, a receiving cavity 30 created between first and second
opposed cavity outer walls 32, 34 aligns substantially in parallel
with cigar receiving slot 22.
[0039] In order to releasably latch first retention portion 14 to
body 12, an engagement element 36 is provided at a free end of
first retention portion 14, which releasably engages an engagement
feature 38 provided with a curved body portion 39 of body 12. When
first retention portion 14 is moved in a closing direction "B,"
cigar receiving slot 22 is substantially aligned with a similarly
shaped cavity defined by curved body portion 39.
[0040] Body 12 further includes a vial portion 40, which is sealed
with respect to each of the first and second retention portions 14,
16 to permit retention of a potable, drinking or drinkable fluid 42
selected at the discretion of the user. A level or volume of fluid
42 within vial portion 40 is visible through a viewing window 44
positioned on body 12 and made, for example, of a transparent or
semitransparent material such as plastic or glass. Fluid 42 is
replenishable or discharged from vial portion 40 by temporarily
removing a vial end cap 46 using a grip surface 48 to threadably
rotate vial end cap 46. Vial end cap 46 is accessible by
temporarily displacing a body end cap 50 from a body end 52 of body
12. Body end cap 50 is retained at body end 52 using each of a
first and second retention element 54, 56. First and second
retention elements 54, 56 can be made from a same or similar
material as that used for first and second retention members 26,
28. When body end cap 50 is releasably retained in a closed
position on body end 52, a cap perimeter wall 58 abuts against a
body end wall 60 and a deflectable member 62 of body end cap 50 is
releasably engaged with an engagement member 64 of body 12.
[0041] Cigar case 10 further includes a humidifier portion 66,
which is releasably connected at an opposite end of body 12 with
respect to body end cap 50. Humidifier portion 66 contains water,
which can vaporize and enter both of the first and second retention
portions 14, 16 to maintain humidity levels for the cigars stored
therein.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, humidifier portion 66 is shown after
release from body 12. Humidifier portion 66 includes each of a
first outer wall 68 and an opposed second outer wall 70. First and
second outer walls 68, 70 are joined by opposed first and second
joining walls 72, 74. A moisture retainer 76, such as moisture
retention crystals or a foam material, is retained between first
and second joining walls 72, 74. It is noted that humidifier
portion 66 is shown rotated approximately 90 degrees from its
installed position to more clearly identify the features discussed
herein. A recessed portion 78 is provided in first joining wall 72
to provide clearance in the installed position with respect to
hinge 24. A similar recessed portion (not visible in this view) is
provided for the similar purpose of providing clearance with
respect to hinge 24'. An engagement slot 80 is provided on an
inside facing surface of first outer wall 68. Engagement slot 80 is
sized to releasably receive a first male member 82 extending from
body 12 to releasably retain humidifier portion 66 in its closed
contact position with body 12.
[0043] Similar to engagement slot 80, a second engagement slot (not
clearly visible in this view) is provided on an inside facing
surface of second outer wall 70 and is adapted to receive a second
male member 84, which is provided for a similar purpose as first
male member 82. First and second outer walls 68, 70 are each
outwardly elastically deflectable to permit engagement with first
and second male members 82, 84. First and second male members 82,
84 are each integrally connected to and extend outwardly with
respect to first and second support features 86, 88. First and
second support features 86, 88 also retain the alignment of
humidifier portion 66 when it is releasably in contact with body
12.
[0044] A moisture exchange opening 90 is positioned in a wall 91 of
body 12 such that the moisture contained by moisture retainer 76
can vaporize and enter second retention portion 16 through a filter
92 provided to prevent material of moisture retainer 76 from also
entering second retention portion 16. Oppositely directed with
respect to moisture exchange opening 90 and filter 92 are a similar
moisture exchange opening and filter (not visible in this view)
which perform the same function with respect to first retention
portion 14.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, both first and second retention
portions 14, 16 are shown in their closed and retained positions
with respect to body 12. Humidifier portion 66 is also shown in its
closed and retained position. Body end cap 50 is similarly shown in
its closed position. A covering 94, such as leather or a polymeric
material which visually has the appearance of leather, can be
applied to outer surfaces of both first and second retention
portions 14, 16. For further visual enhancement, stitch seams 96
can be provided with covering 94. Covering 94 is therefore provided
with a gripping surface 98, which is provided based on the pliable
nature of covering 94 so that the user can grip either first or
second retention portion 14, 16 to release them from their closed
positions. A plurality of ribs 100 are provided with body end cap
50 to assist in releasing body end cap 50 from the closed
position.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, a cigar case 102 of another embodiment
includes a polymeric body 104 having a polymeric front cap 106 and
a polymeric rear cap 108 connected at opposite ends thereof. A
viewing window 110 is provided in polymeric body 104 used to view a
fluid level of a built-in, non-removable potable fluid vial. A
planar outer surface 112 includes the viewing window 110 and
together with the remaining outer surfaces of cigar case 102
provide a substantially smooth surface for ease of inserting the
cigar case 102, for example, into or out of a pocket or carry
container of the user.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, cigar case 102 is provided with a first
curved end surface 114 for rear cap 108 and a second curved end
surface 116 for front cap 106. First and second curved end surfaces
114, 116 further enhance the capability to easily slide cigar case
102 into or out of the pocket or carry container of the user.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, cigar case 102 permits two cigars 118
to be stored within polymeric body 104. Each of the cigars 118 is
individually positioned on an outer facing portion of a vial 120
which contains a potable/drinkable fluid.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, cigar case 102 further includes a first
cigar cavity 122 created between a first outer wall portion 124 of
polymeric body 104 and a first vial outer wall 126 of vial 120.
Similarly, but oppositely positioned, is a second cigar cavity 128
provided between a second vial outer wall 130 and a second outer
wall portion 132 of polymeric body 104. A vial end cap 134, which
is removable and re-engaged by the user, is releasably connected,
for example using threads to a vial end extension 136
longitudinally extending from one end of the vial 120. Vial end cap
134 is accessible by removing front cap 106 from polymeric body
104. Front cap 106 is releasably engaged with polymeric body 104
using an engagement wall 138 which frictionally is received within
and abuts against an inner wall of polymeric body 104.
[0050] A moisture retainer 140, which can be a sponge-like material
or moisture retention crystals is positioned within rear cap 108.
Moisture retainer 140 is accessible for refilling the moisture
stored by moisture retainer 140 by removing rear cap 108 from
polymeric body 104. Moisture retainer 140 is positioned between a
cap end wall 142 and a longitudinal extending portion 144 of a
perforated wall 146. Perforated wall 146 provides a plurality of
openings 148 through which the moisture contained by moisture
retainer 140 can enter each of the first and second cigar cavities
122, 128. A size of the openings 148 is selected to prevent
material of the moisture retainer 140 from entering either of the
first or second cigar cavities 122, 128. Rear cap 108 is
frictionally engaged with polymeric body 104 in a similar manner as
previously described with respect to front cap 106. Rear cap 108 is
provided with an engagement wall 150 which frictionally engages an
inner wall of polymeric body 104 to releasably retain rear cap 108
on polymeric body 104.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, a cigar case 152 according to a further
embodiment includes a body 154 and a releasably engaged end cap
156. Body 154 has a covering, such as a leather cover 157, which
can be attached using a cross-stitched seam 158. A reflective
material strip 160 is provided to visually indicate the dividion
between body 154 and end cap 156 when end cap 156 is releasably
installed on body 154.
[0052] Body 154 further includes each of a first and second raised
portion 162, 164 which define individual positions within body 154
for releasably storing individual cigars (not shown). A first
indented portion 166 and a second indented portion 168 separate
each of the first and second raised portions 162, 164 from a third
raised portion 170. Third raised portion 170 provides internal
space within body 154 for a fluid vial. Liquid within the fluid
vial is visually indicated through a vial viewing window 172 which
is coaxially aligned with third raised portion 170 and provided in
end cap 156. Similar to vial viewing windows of previous
embodiments, vial viewing window 172 can be provided of a
transparent or semitransparent material such as a polymeric
material or glass.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 9 and again to FIG. 8, a cigar case 174
includes a body 176 and an end cap 178. Cigar case 174 is modified
from cigar case 152 by inclusion of a central strip 180 centrally
positioned in both the body 176 and end cap 178. Central strip 180
can be a reflective material such as a metal or a polymeric
material having a chrome or chrome-like finish. Central strip 180
replaces the leather-covered, third raised portion 170 of cigar
case 152. A vial portion 182 includes a vial viewing window 184
which is similar to vial viewing window 172. An engraved leather
cover 185 can be provided on surfaces of body 176 and end cap 178
which do not include the central strip 180.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 10, a cigar case 202 includes a body 204
and an end cap 206 which is releasably connectable to body 204. End
cap 206 is shown in the open/removed position such that access is
provided within body 204 to a first cigar cavity 208 and an
oppositely positioned second cigar cavity 210. Each of the first
and second cigar cavities 208, 210 is semi-spherically shaped and
is therefore capable of slidably receiving individual cigars (not
shown). Positioned directly between each of the first and second
cigar cavities 208, 210 is a vial receiving cavity 212 which is
also semi-spherically shaped. Vial receiving cavity 212 slidably
and frictionally receives a vial 214 which can contain a drinkable
fluid which is accessible by removing end cap 206. Vial 214 has a
transparent or semi-transparent vial body 216 such that a fluid
level within vial 214 is visually indicated to the user. An opening
218 is also provided in end cap 206 whose purpose will be further
described in reference to FIG. 12.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 11, end cap 206 is shown in its
closed/connected condition to body 204. In this condition, vial
body 216 is partially viewable because it is partially exposed
through opening 218. A fluid level within vial 214 is therefore
also visible via opening 218 through a portion of vial body 216
which is therefore exposed even with end cap 206 in the installed
position. A separate viewing window is therefore not required for
cigar case 202.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a cigar case 220 includes a
body 222 having a releasably connectable end cap 224. When end cap
224 is removed from body 222, a first cigar cavity 226 and a second
cigar cavity 228 (which each can include a first cigar 231 and a
second cigar 232, respectively) are accessible to the user. Each of
first and second cigar cavities 226, 228 is substantially circular
in cross-sectional shape. Positioned directly between first and
second cigar cavities 226, 228 is a third cigar cavity 230, which
also has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Each of
the first or second cigars 231, 232 can be greater in length than a
third cigar 234 received in third cigar cavity 230. The reason for
this length discrepancy is that the first and second cigars 231,
232 can be partially received in end cap 224. A vial end cap 236 of
a vial portion 238 which is provided in end cap 224 prevents the
third cigar 234 from extending into end cap 224. Vial end cap 236,
similar to other vial end caps previously described herein, is
removable to access a fluid provided within the vial portion 238
for drinking by the user. The body 222 and end cap 224 of cigar
case 220 can be both entirely made of a metal or a plastic
material.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 14, a cigar case 240 according to a
further embodiment includes a leather or similar texture material
clad body 242 which is closed using a folding end cover 244 (shown
in its open position). End cover 244 includes a latch 246 that
releasably engages a latch receiver 248 provided with body 242 to
close end cover 244. An insert 250 which according to several
embodiments is made of a wood such as cedar is slidably and
frictionally received in body 242. Insert 250 includes several
semicircular portions which are pre-formed and arranged
substantially parallel to each other. A first semicircular portion
252 is sized to slidably receive a first cigar 254 and a second
semicircular portion 256 is sized to slidably receive a second
cigar 258. A fluid holding vial 260 is releasably received in a
third semicircular portion 261 which can be positioned between
first and second semicircular portions 252, 256.
[0058] At least one punch portion 262 is movably connected to a
body side frame 264 at a connecting joint 266. Punch portion 262 is
shown in both an installed and a removed position. A hinge 268 can
be connected at the connecting joint 266 and to punch portion 262
to rotatably connect punch portion 262 to body side frame 264. A
cigar punch 270 is provided with punch portion 262 which is
accessible when punch portion 262 is in an open or removed
position. A second punch portion 262' (which does not include punch
270) is positioned on an opposite side of body 242. Also provided
with body 242 is a viewing window 272 which can be a
semitransparent or transparent plastic or glass material. Similar
to other viewing windows previously described herein, viewing
window 272 is aligned with and provides visual indication of a
quantity or level of a fluid in vial 260 if vial 260 is itself made
of a semitransparent or transparent plastic or glass material.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 15 and again to FIG. 14, folding end cover
244 is shown in its closed position with respect to body 242. Cover
244 is folded over a semicircular end 274 of punch portions 262 to
provide internal clearance with first and second cigars 254, 258.
The middle positioning of vial 260 between first and second cigars
254, 258 provides further internal support and clearance between
folding end cover 244 and the cigars.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 16 and again to FIG. 14, third
semicircular portion 261 can be modified to include an oval or
elongated side-to-side shape to increase the volume of storage area
available for a similarly shaped vial 260 (not shown). Insert 250
is modified as necessary to accommodate the geometry of third
semicircular portion 261.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 17 and again to FIG. 14, in the closed
condition or position of cigar case 240, a trim piece 276 can be
provided to hide the latch 246 and latch receiver 248 from view.
Stitching lines 278, 278' can be provided to enhance the visual
image of a material or covering of body 242. A leather or
leather-like appearing material can be used as a cover to provide a
frictional surface for body 242 and folding end cover 244.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 18 and again to FIG. 14, a vial 280 can be
substituted for vial 260. Vial 280 can be made of a metal or
plastic material body 282 that does not have transparent or
semitransparent qualities, but can be used for its increased
rigidity. Vial 280 includes a releasable vial end cap 284 which is
sealed using a seal member 286 such as an O-ring at a junction 288
between vial end cap 284 and body 282. Vial body 282 is shown in a
tubular form however the shape of vial body 282 can have
substantially any geometry at the discretion of the
manufacturer.
[0063] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *